Hollywood Expands Theater Screenings for Oscar Contenders

Ryan McVay/Photodisc(LOS ANGELES) -- Good news for moviegoers who haven’t seen many of the films nominated for an Academy Award. The Hollywood Reporter says several studios have announced plans to expand the number of theaters showing their Oscar contenders.

The Fox Searchlight film The Descendants, will move into 1,700 theaters on Friday, up from the current 650. Paramount, the studio behind Martin Scorsese’s Hugo, will add nearly 300 theaters Friday, upping the total to 944.

The Artist had been screening in 216 theaters before being boosted to 662 on the eve of the Golden Globes ceremony. In the wake of its Oscar nominations, several hundred more theaters will be added this Friday.﻿